Low energy environmental sensor that receives inputs via movement thereof, and a method of operating a rocking environmental sensor

ABSTRACT

A low energy environmental sensor is provided herein that is configured to receive user inputs from movement of the sensor itself. A method of operating a rocking environmental sensor is also provided. In one embodiment, the rocking environmental sensor includes: (1) a base having a fulcrum point and (2) a face including a first movement initiator area and a second movement initiator area configured to cause the face to toggle with respect to the fulcrum point and complete a signaling path indicating a user input.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/755,890, filed by Robert Anthony DiFulgentiz III, et al., on Jan.23, 2013, entitled “AESTHETICALLY PLEASING TEMPERATURE SENSOR WITHROCKING DESIGN,” and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/754,920,filed by Takeshi Sakai, et al., on Jan. 21, 2013, and entitled “LOWPROFILE, LOW ENERGY TEMPERATURE SENSOR WITH COMMUNICATING CAPABILITY,”both of which are currently pending and incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application is directed, in general, to HVAC systems and, morespecifically, to an environmental sensor for use with an HVAC system.

BACKGROUND

HVAC systems are prevalent in enclosures/structures such as homes,offices, etc. Typically, there is indoor equipment and outdoor equipmentwith each HVAC system. This includes control equipment and userinterface equipment. Improvements in energy consumption for any of theHVAC equipment would be beneficial. Additionally, improvements in theappearance of any HVAC equipment would also be beneficial.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a rocking environmental sensor is disclosed. In oneembodiment, the rocking environmental sensor includes: (1) a base havinga fulcrum point and (2) a face including a first movement initiator areaand a second movement initiator area configured to cause the face totoggle with respect to the fulcrum point and complete a signaling pathindicating a user input.

In another aspect, an environmental sensor for use with a HVAC system isdisclosed. In one embodiment, the environmental sensor includes: (1) aprocessor configured to direct operation of the sensor based on a userinput and (2) a rocking input system having (2A) a first componenthaving a fulcrum point and (2B) a second component including a firstmovement initiator area and a second movement initiator area configuredto cause the second component to toggle with respect to the fulcrumpoint and complete a signaling path indicating the user input.

In yet another aspect, a method of operating an environmental sensoremployable in a HVAC system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the methodincludes: (1) receiving a user input via movement of the environmentalsensor, (2) generating a control signal in response to the user inputand (3) performing a function in response to the control signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a high-level block diagram of an embodiment of a HVACsystem constructed according to the principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of an embodiment of a remote indoor sensorfor an HVAC system constructed according to the principles of thedisclosure; and

FIG. 3 illustrates another diagram of an embodiment of remote indoorsensor constructed according to the principles of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure provides an environmental sensor with a rocking designthat allows a user to interface therewith. The center of the sensor actsas a fulcrum allowing the top and bottom parts thereof to rock back andforth. The rocking motion acts as an input, such as a button press. Assuch, the sensor can employ the rocking motion input to effect changesto corresponding settings associated with the sensor. The sensor itself,therefore, is a rocking switch wherein a user can change settings on thesensor by pressing on the top and the bottom of the sensor.Alternatively, the user could pull on the top or the bottom of thesensor to activate the rocking switch and change the settings of thesensor. One skilled in the art will understand that the sensor can alsoemploy a horizontal rocking motion, i.e., left to right or right toleft, as input instead of a vertical rocking motion, i.e., top to bottomor bottom to top. Accordingly, the discussions herein regarding a sensorwith a vertical rocking motion also apply to a sensor with a horizontalrocking motion. The axis of rocking or toggling can be automaticallydetermined by the sensor when the sensor is installed. A conventionalorientation sensor including, for example, an accelerometer and amagnometer can be used to determine the orientation. A processor of thesensor can employ the orientation sensor to determine orientation todisplay data at the proper orientation for viewing.

One advantage of the sensor having a rocking design is the eliminationor reduction of buttons. As such, capacitive, mechanical, physical orother types of buttons are not required to receive user input. Instead,a user can press on the top or bottom of the sensor to adjust settings.

In one embodiment the sensor is a remote indoor sensor (RIS) thatprovides a user interface for controlling the operation of an HVACsystem. The sensor can be a wireless or wired sensor that communicateswith the HVAC system via conventional communications mediums. In someembodiments, the sensor is configured to interact with a controller of aHVAC system to control operation thereof or provide data, such asenvironmental data that can be used for control. In one embodiment, thesensor is configured to perform traditional functions such as measuretemperature and control/direct operation of the HVAC system. Forexample, the sensor can include the functionality of a Comfort Sensoravailable from Lennox Industries Inc. of Richardson, Tex. The sensor canbe a temperature sensor with optional relative humidity and/or carbondioxide sensing capabilities that controls zone damper or variablevolume terminal box in zoning applications to maintain space temperatureand indoor environmental quality.

The sensor includes a display and processor configured to direct theoperation thereof. In one embodiment, the processor of the sensor can bea microprocessor on a printed circuit board (PCB). The sensor can beused by a user after installation and by a manufacturer during testingof the sensor or of systems associated with the sensor. The processor isconfigured to receive inputs via the rocking or toggling of the sensorand generate control signals in response thereof to direct operation ofthe sensor or of a system connected to the sensor. The input data can beused to increase or decrease a particular setting displayed by thesensor. In other embodiments, the input data can correspond to apredetermined input sequence to direct operation of the sensor. Forexample, the processor of the sensor can interpret a series of inputscaused by toggling of the sensor within a designated time, e.g., half asecond, to perform various functions. The functions could include, forexample, displaying particular data on a display of the sensor.

The rocking design of the disclosed environmental sensor can contributeto an aesthetically pleasing look of the sensor. Thus, in contrast toconventional sensors, the sensor disclosed herein has a sleek designwith a thin cross-section that allows the sensor to “disappear” into awall after installation. As such, in some embodiments an aestheticallypleasing sensor is disclosed that also includes an improved interface.

In some embodiments, the display of the sensor is a low energy display.Thus, in contrast to conventional sensors that use backlight displaytechnologies, such as liquid crystal displays and light emitting diodes,the disclosed sensor consumes less energy. In one embodiment, thedisplay is an electronic ink display. In addition to lower powerconsumption, an electronic ink display can provide a display that iseasier to read with wider viewing angles than a conventional sensordisplay. With the advent of wireless communication, the low energydisplay is advantageous in preserving the life of a battery powersupply. In one embodiment, the disclosed sensor is designed to meetENERGY STAR requirements for residential thermostats.

Reference is now made to the following figures that include additionaldescriptions of the sensors disclosed herein and the systems in whichthey can be employed.

FIG. 1 is a high-level block diagram of an embodiment of a HVAC system100, constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The HVACsystem 100 is a networked HVAC system configured to condition air withinan enclosed space, such as a house, an office building, a warehouse,etc. The HVAC system 100 includes multiple components with a single oneof some of the components in FIG. 1 being represented. One skilled inthe art will understand that multiple of the same components can beincluded. One skilled in the art will also understand the HVAC system100 can include other components that are not illustrated but typicallyincluded with an HVAC system.

The HVAC system 100 is a zoned system. As such, multiple comfort sensors160 and dampers 185 are denoted. The HVAC system 100 also includes acirculation fan 110, a furnace 120, typically associated with thecirculation fan 110, and a refrigerant evaporator coil 130, alsotypically associated with the circulation fan 110. The circulation fan110, furnace 120, and refrigerant evaporator coil 130 are collectivelyreferred to as the “indoor unit.” This embodiment of the system 100 alsoincludes a compressor 140 and an associated condenser coil 142, whichare typically referred to as the “outdoor unit” 144. The compressor 140and associated condenser coil 142 are typically connected to anassociated evaporator coil 130 by a refrigerant line 146.

The circulation fan 110, sometimes referred to as a blower, can operateat different capacities, i.e., motor speeds, to circulate air throughthe HVAC system 100, whereby the circulated air is conditioned andsupplied to the conditioned enclosed space. The circulation fan 110moves the air at a certain capacity according to a blower volume. Theblower volumes for a circulating fan can be stored in an indoorcontroller of a HVAC system, such as control unit 150. The blower volumeis the airflow capacity or rate (often expressed in terms of cubic feetper minute, or CFM) of the circulating fan 110.

The control unit 150 is configured to control the circulation fan 110,the furnace 120 and/or the compressor 140 to regulate the temperature ofthe enclosed space, at least approximately. The control unit 150 may bean integrated controller or a distributed controller that directsoperation of the HVAC system 100. The control unit 150 may include aninterface to receive thermostat calls, blower control signals, andblower volumes for various zones and operating modes of the HVAC system.The control unit 150 also includes a processor, such as amicroprocessor, to direct the operation of the HVAC system 100. Theprocessor can be configured to direct operation of the circulation fan110 per blower volumes entered during installation of the HVAC system100. The control unit 150 may include a memory section having a seriesof operating instructions stored therein that direct the operation ofthe control unit 150 (e.g., the processor) when initiated thereby.

The HVAC system 100 also includes comfort sensors 160 that may beassociated with the control unit 150 and also optionally associated witha display 170. The comfort sensors 160 provide current information,environmental data, about environmental conditions within zones of theenclosed space, such as temperature, humidity and air quality to thecontrol unit 150 and display 170. At least one of the comfort sensors160 is a remote indoor sensor as disclosed herein with the rockingfeature. More details of the remote indoor sensor are provided withrespect to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

In various embodiments, the display 170 provides additional functionssuch as operational, diagnostic and status message display and anattractive, visual interface that allows an installer, user or repairmanto perform actions with respect to the HVAC system 100 more intuitively.In some embodiments, the display 170 is a thermostat for the HVAC system100. In other embodiments, the display 170 is associated with acontroller of the HVAC system 100, such as the control unit 150. Herein,the term “user” will be used to refer collectively to any of anoperator, an installer, a user, a tester, a manufacturer, a repairman,etc., unless clarity is served by greater specificity.

The zone controller 180 is configured to manage the movement ofconditioned air to the designated zones of the enclosed space. Each ofthe designated zones include at least one demand unit, such as thefurnace 120, and at least one user interface, such as a thermostat. Thezone controlled HVAC system 100 allows a user to independently controlthe temperature in the designated zones. The zone controller 180operates electronic dampers 185 to control air flow to the zones of theenclosed space. The zone controller 180 generates a blower controlsignal to request a blower volume for the circulation fan 110. In someembodiments, the zone controller 180 is configured to provide greaterair flow for one zone than another zone to compensate for greaterdemands or air flow requirements. The zone controller 180 can be aconventional controller for delivering conditioned air to designatedzones of a conditioned space. Harmony III™ Zone Control System availablefrom Lennox Industries Inc. of Richardson, Tex., is an example of azoning system that employs a zone controller to manage the distributionof conditioned air to designated zones.

The blower control signal is typically an electrical signal generated bya zoning control panel in response to thermostat demands from differentzones. The blower control signal can be an analog or a digital signal.Considering the Harmony III™ Zone Control System, a pulse widthmodulated (PWM) signal is used for a blower control signal and a changein the duty cycle of the PWM signal indicates a change in the operatingspeed of the circulation fan. In other embodiments, the blower controlsignal can be a data signal including a messaging protocol signal, suchas a controller area network (CAN) signal, or an output of a transducer.The blower control signal can reflect the blower volumes input by aninstaller employing a user interface.

A data bus 190, which in the illustrated embodiment is a serial bus,couples the various components of the HVAC system 100 together such thatdata may be communicated therebetween or thereamong. As will beunderstood, the data bus 190 may be advantageously employed to conveyone or more alarm messages or one or more diagnostic messages. In someembodiments, the connections therebetween are through awired-connection. A conventional cable and contacts may be used tocouple the control unit 150 to the various components. In someembodiments, a wireless connection may also be employed to provide atleast some of the connections.

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of an embodiment of a rocking sensor 200constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The rockingsensor 200 includes a base 210 and a face 220. The base 210 includes afirst directional contact 212 and a second directional contact 214. Inone embodiment, the first and second directional contacts 212, 214,correspond to an up contact and a down contact, respectively. In otherembodiments, the first and second directional contacts 212, 214, cancorrespond to a left contact and a right contact. Thus, the first andsecond directional contacts 212, 214, can correspond to a verticaland/or horizontal rocking motion for user input. The particular rockingmotion orientation can depend on how the rocking sensor 200 isinstalled. The base 210 also includes a fulcrum point 216.

One skilled in the art will understand that the rocking sensor 200 alsoincludes other components that are not illustrated but are typicallyincluded within an environmental sensor. For example, the rocking sensor200 can include additional components that are typically included withina comfort sensor such as the functionality of a Comfort Sensor availablefrom Lennox Industries Inc. of Richardson, Tex.

One such component is a PCB that can include a processor. In theillustrated embodiment, the sensor 200 includes a PCB 221 that includesa processor 229. In FIG. 2, the PCB 221 is within or is part of the face220 of the rocking sensor 200, such as the back of the face 220. Inanother embodiment, the PCB 221 could be attached to the base 210 andthe directional contacts 212, 214, could be included thereon. A back ofthe face 220 includes an increase contact 222, a decrease contact 224and a fulcrum connector 226. In one embodiment, the back of the face 220is or includes a side of the PCB 221. The increase contact 222 and thedecrease contact 224 correspond to the first directional contact 212 andthe second directional contact 214, respectively, and provide a signalpath that can be used, for example, to decrease or increase settings ofthe rocking sensor 200. The first and second directional contacts 212,214, are connected via conventional means to the PCB 121 by connectors223 and 225. Conventional traces on the PCB 221 can be used to deliverthe signals to the processor 229. The processor 229 is configured toreceive the input from the signal path and process accordingly. Forexample, the processor 229 can be configured to generate control signalsin response to the received input from the signal paths. As such, theprocessor 229 can receive a user input via rocking of the sensor 200,generate a control signal in response to the user input and perform afunction in response to the control signal. The function can be afunction typically performed by, for example, a Comfort Sensor fromLennox Industries Inc. The corresponding pairs of contacts of the sensor200 are connected when, for example, a user applies sufficient pressureto a first movement initiator area 262 or a second movement initiatorarea 264 of the face 220.

The first and second movement initiator areas 262, 264, are portions ofthe face 220 that cause movement of the face 220 when pressure isapplied thereto. Unlike conventional sensors that rely on buttons toreceive an input, the first and second movement initiator areas 262,264, can be constructed of the same material as the base 216 of thesensor 200. As such, the sensor 200 can receive user input withoutrequiring designated buttons or using a touchscreen technology. Theconstruction cost of the sensor 200, therefore, or at least of the face220, can be less compared to conventional sensors.

Applied pressure to either the first or second movement initiator areas262, 264, can cause movement of the face 220 to generate an input, suchas an increase or a decrease input, to the rocking sensor 200. In someembodiments, the movement can be used to generate a different input thanjust an increase or decrease signal. The applied pressure to the firstmovement initiator area 262 or the second movement initiator area 264cause the face 220 to toggle with respect to a fulcrum provided when thefulcrum point 216 and the fulcrum connector 226 interface. In oneembodiment, the fulcrum point 216 and the fulcrum connector 226 includea through-hole 230 upon which a pin (not shown) can be inserted toconnect the two to form the fulcrum. In one embodiment, the face 220fits within the base 210 and “toggles” within the volume defined by thebase 210. In such an embodiment the face 220 is flush with an open side240 of the base 210 (i.e., the opposite side of a mounting side 250 ofthe rocking sensor). As such, the top or bottom are pushed to createcontact between the first or second directional contacts 212, 214, andthe respective increase or decrease contact 222, 224. In otherembodiments, the face 220 is not flush with the open side 240 to allowthe top or bottom of the face 220 to be pulled to initiate contact atthe opposite end of the rocking sensor 200.

The sensor 200 includes the necessary wiring and/or connections, such asconnections 223, 225, to complete signaling paths when one of the pairof corresponding contacts, e.g., the first directional contact 212 andthe increase contact 222, are connected. Each of the noted contacts is amaterial that conducts electricity, such as a metal. In one embodiment,the noted contacts are a metal such as copper. In one embodiment, thefirst directional contact 212 and the second directional contact 214 aregrounds.

The signaling paths for increasing or decreasing a setting of the sensor200 are connected to the processor 229 of the sensor 200. The processor229 can be a microprocessor on the PCB. The noted contacts and thefulcrum components can be manufactured via conventional means.

FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of a view of an embodiment of a rockingsensor 300 constructed according to the principles of the disclosure.The rocking sensor 300 illustrates an aesthetically pleasing and sleekdesign that can be employed with the rocking design disclosed herein.The rocking sensor 300 includes a base 305 and a face 307. In oneembodiment, the base 305 and the face 307 correspond to the base 210 andthe face 220 of the rocking sensor 200 in FIG. 2. As such, the base 305includes a mounting side configured to receive a mounting bracket forfixing the rocking sensor 300 to a fixed location, e.g., a wall. Thebase 305 also includes an open side to receive the face 307. The base305 and the face 307 (i.e., not including an area for a display) can beconstructed of a plastic material typically employed for thermostats,sensors, controllers, etc. The base 305 is configured to connect to abracket for connecting the sensor 300 to a fixed location, such as awall. The bracket can be a conventional bracket. The components ofsensor 300 are internal when mounted or when the base 305 and the face307 are connected together for mounting. The internal components includethe contacts, PCB and the fulcrum parts as illustrated in FIG. 2.

The face 307 includes a display 310, a first movement initiator area 320and a second movement initiator area 330. The display 310 is configuredto provide a visual indication of an environmental condition and theresult of a user input. In one embodiment, the display 310 is a lowenergy display. In one such low energy embodiment, the display is anelectronic ink display. Accordingly, the rocking sensor 300 canadvantageously be employed for wireless applications where the rockingsensor 300 operates from a battery and communicates wirelessly with amaster thermostat or control unit. With an electronic ink display, therocking sensor 300 can continue to display the last value even afterpower has been removed. This allows the electronic ink display to bepowered-up periodically or whenever any display changes are needed. Thisgreatly reduces the amount of power required to operate the rockingsensor 300.

Additionally, an electronic ink display does not require a back-lightbut instead operates by reflecting the surrounding light to create a“natural” appearance to the elements of the display 310. In someembodiments, a front light can be used with an electronic ink displayfor readability in the dark. An electronic ink display also can beviewed at wider angles than other display technologies which isadvantageous when manufacturing a sensor that has a reduced size tominimize interference with a homeowner's décor.

As noted above with respect to FIG. 2, the first movement initiator area320 and the second movement initiator area 330 are used to causemovement of the face 307 to create a signal path. In some embodiments,the face includes a design, such as arrows, to indicate the location ofthe first movement initiator area 320 and the second movement initiatorarea 330. In FIG. 3, the design is represented by arrows 325 and 335.The arrows 325, 335, indicate an input direction to cause a particularresult, such as an increase (arrow 325) and a decrease (arrow 335).

Those skilled in the art to which this application relates willappreciate that other and further additions, deletions, substitutionsand modifications may be made to the described embodiments.

What is claimed:
 1. A rocking environmental sensor, comprising: a basehaving a fulcrum point; and a face including a first movement initiatorarea and a second movement initiator area configured to cause said faceto toggle with respect to said fulcrum point and complete a signalingpath indicating a user input.
 2. The rocking sensor as recited in claim1 wherein said base includes sides that define a volume and said facefits within said volume.
 3. The rocking sensor as recited in claim 1wherein said base includes first and second directional contacts,wherein either one of said first or second directional contact is usedas part of said signaling path.
 4. The rocking sensor as recited inclaim 1 wherein said face includes an increase contact and a decreasecontact that are positioned to complete said signaling path depending ona direction of said toggle.
 5. The rocking sensor as recited in claim 1wherein said face further includes a first design and a second designthat indicates directions of said toggle.
 6. The rocking sensor asrecited in claim 1 wherein said face further includes an electronic inkdisplay.
 7. The rocking sensor as recited in claim 1 wherein said facefurther includes a fulcrum connector that cooperates with said fulcrumpoint to create a fulcrum.
 8. The rocking sensor as recited in claim 1wherein said face does not include a button or touchscreen configured toreceive a user input.
 9. The rocking sensor as recited in claim 1further comprising a processor configured to direct operation of saidrocking sensor based on said user input received via said toggle. 10.The rocking sensor as recited in claim 9 wherein said processor isconfigured to generate a control signal to increase or decrease asetting of a HVAC system.
 11. The rocking sensor as recited in claim 9wherein said processor is configured to interpret a series of inputsreceived via said signaling path to perform a predetermined function.12. An environmental sensor for use with a heating, ventilating and airconditioning system, comprising: a processor configured to directoperation of said sensor based on a user input; and a rocking inputsystem, including: a first component having a fulcrum point; and asecond component including a first movement initiator area and a secondmovement initiator area configured to cause said second component totoggle with respect to said fulcrum point and complete a signaling pathindicating said user input.
 13. The environmental sensor as recited inclaim 12 wherein said first component is further configured to receive amounting bracket configured to affix said sensor to a fixed structure.14. The environmental sensor as recited in claim 12 wherein said secondcomponent includes a low energy display.
 15. The environmental sensor asrecited in claim 12 wherein said processor is configured to increase ordecrease an environmental setting for a zone of said HVAC system basedon said user input.
 16. The environmental sensor as recited in claim 12wherein said processor is configured to perform a designated function inresponse to receiving a series of user inputs via said rocking inputsystem.
 17. A method of operating an environmental sensor employable ina heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system, comprising:receiving a user input via movement of said environmental sensor;generating a control signal in response to said user input; andperforming a function in response to said control signal.
 18. The methodas recited in claim 17 wherein said method is a method of testing saidsensor during manufacturing thereof.
 19. The method as recited in claim17 wherein said generating is performed by a processor of said sensor.20. The method as recited in claim 17 wherein said function is directingoperation of HVAC equipment.